Apple opens up VoIP over 3G, finally

Good news came today for iPhone users who enjoy unlimited data plans, but often find themselves running low on minutes. According to two different developer accounts, Apple has lifted the ban on transmitting voice over IP traffic across the AT&T 3G network.

According to a press release published by VoIP company iCall (hat tip to Engadget), Apple's release of the updated iPhone developer SDK made it possible for iCall to enable VoIP over 3G. The release of the 3.2 SDK yesterday was iPad only, though some expect this functionality to spill over into the iPhone. fring, makers of the another VoIP iPhone application, has confirmed that the restriction has been lifted. It, too, has an updated application (hat tip to Slashdot) available for download that makes use of the AT&T 3G network.

You may remember back in October when AT&T changed its stance regarding iPhone VoIP traffic on its network. This, of course, was after the FCC began an investigation into Google Voice rejections in early August. There are currently two developers with updated VoIP applications that we are aware of, but it seems likely that more will follow in the weeks to come.

What is peculiar about this situation is the wording in iCall's press release stating that an updated SDK was responsible for the change. It seems more likely that Apple simply changed the wording of some of its developer agreements, making it kosher for developers to make the changes. However, if that's all it took, why did Apple wait so long before opening up the floodgates?